Supermarket mogul questioned as suspect in Jerusalem corruption probe

Police interrogate businessman Rami Levy as court extends remand for six suspects including deputy mayor

By ToI Staff 15 March 2018, 5:26 pm

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Rami Levy attends a candle lighting ceremony in the Mamilla mall in Jerusalem, on December 18, 2017. (Mendy Hechtman/Flash90)

Supermarket chain owner Rami Levy was questioned under caution Thursday in an investigation into suspected corruption involving the Jerusalem municipality.

As part of the same investigation, the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court extended the remand for Jerusalem’s deputy mayor Meir Turgeman and five other suspects, who were arrested on Monday, for an additional five days.

Turgeman is suspected of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, abuse of power, and various tax offenses.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat (L) seen with deputy-mayor Meir Turgeman (R) and businessman Rami Levy in Jerusalem, on September 1, 2013. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Officials said that Turgeman, who serves as chairman of the capital’s Planning and Building Committee, is suspected of accepting money in exchange for illegally advancing various projects of Levy and the other suspects.

Hadashot news reported that when police arrested Turgeman they confiscated paperwork connected to Levy’s businesses.

In December police closed an investigation against Levy, saying they had not found sufficient evidence against him.

Levy, along with Mevasseret Zion Mayor Yoram Shimon, and local businessman Amir Hochberg, had been suspected of fraud and breach of trust around the construction of a mall.

Police issued a statement saying, “The Israel Police will continue to investigate and expose improper actions with conflict of interest, and to search and reach wherever there is suspicion of public corruption that harms the government and regular citizens.”